It’s nice to share good sports stories once in awhile. The idealistic notion of NCAA and college athletics being a pure, wholesome environment where young student-athletes are universally nourished, cultivated and developed has certainly tarnished over the years (and with good reason). Yet, once in awhile, college sports can remind you why there is still a theoretical difference between amateur athletics and the pros. Namely, because we’re talking about college kids, which can lead to some pretty tremendous moments. The awarding of a scholarship to Florida Gators walk-on running back Mark Herndon yesterday qualifies as one of those occasions.

The story has begun to circulate around the Interwebs, and it’s not news because it never happens. It’s catching fire because these stories are less frequently shared (people seem to crave the bad more than the good), and because they are an awesome reminder that not every player that steps on the field for SEC powerhouses like Florida is a five-star recruit B.M.O.C. who’s had everything handed to him and doesn’t give a f about anything. For those who’ve had to work a little harder, the reward is often that much sweeter. And to see the joy of a 19 or 20-something year-old kid at realizing that dream…wow.

Herndon is a 5’9, 193-lb. running back from Ocala, Fla. Growing up, he followed the Gators but couldn’t afford to get inside The Swamp and watch the games from the stands. In 2012, he walked on to the team as a freshman and appeared in six games earning his playing times as a special teamer.

Yesterday, Gators running backs coach Brian White delivered the news that Herndon had earned a full scholarship. The reaction was one of tears. Coach White made sure someone captured the it, and he then celebrated that image with the rest of the world via his Instagram account.

coach_bwhite on Instagram

The smile apparently didn’t leave Herndon’s face for quite some time on Tuesday. What makes this story even better? Realizing how much a scholarship can change things for a kid.

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About Cecilio's Scribe

Cecilio's Scribe is the founder of The Legend of Cecilio Guante and a generally pessimistic fan of the Mets, Jets, Knicks and Rangers. A fine NYC-based gentlemen who hones his marketing skills as his primary trade by day. Husband, chef, father of a newborn and after-hours blogger by night. Proud alum of the mighty Big Red of Cornell. University. Hot sauce devotee. Staunch protester of the continued wussifcation of American sports. Sometimes I rhyme slow, sometimes I rhyme quick.